How to ID stolen laptop?

Hi,

Is there a number on my XPS M120 that I can record in case this laptop is ever stolen and then recovered?

I'm looking for a positive way identify it? I don't think the Service Tag or Express Code does much. Is there an internal serial number that is unique to a particular machine.

Thanks.

Ron N

 

I don't know about your specific laptop model but Dell also puts the service tag in the bios and I don't know that it can be edited without specific software. At least, that use to be the case.

 

Service tag/express service code is what Dell would go by to ID a stolen system. There really isn't anything better to ID it by.

Illegal Operation is correct in that it is not easy to change the service tag. It can be done, but there is specific software and commands necessary to do so.

 

Oh OK.

I thought that the Service Tag was used to target a "family" of like computers. It would be used to download the appropriate drivers and software.

So you are saying that there is only one Service Tag number? And is is never used again?

Ron N.

 

there is a service from dell but is as i know only for new notebooks , for old is still same as u are the first owner who bought it from dell and ur notebook will be stolen u can call dell, but all they can do is wait until the thief call and try get service or something like that and then u will be noticed

 

Actually, Dell Service Tags in the bios can be changed by one of dells own utilities that run of a floppy disk. I remember this floating around the dell forums a couple of years back.

why dont you just remove the battery and etch some details in the battery compartment e.g date of birth in number format ?

 

u can't change tag, once inserted is not possible to change it , there is no floppy disk with which u can change it. from factory there is no tag, just the first first technician have option to insert it after this this option will be locked.

 

Dell has a disk that allows technicians to change the service tag. It's quite easy, but Dell only sends the disk out with motherboards as parts-only dispatch for technicians.

The average thief won't know this though, so the service tag should be a good bet. You could also place labels with your name and phone number in hidden spots on the laptop, such as under the keyboard, behind the battery, inside access doors, etc.

 

Hi, That is a good idea about hiding labels. One in the battery compartment, and one under the keyboard.

I've used SIW to read the hardware and software. There are some numbers tied to the motherboard, but I don't know if they are unique to my laptop; or are "general" numbers used in the same family.

Ron N.

 

Service tags are unique to each system. There should not be a duplicate unless it is a mistake. In the past when they were on 5 digit svc codes you would possibly find one reassigned after the original was confirmed as a tear-down. It would get reassigned to an unidentifiable unit for resale. This was before the svc tag in the bios was common practice.

 

For do it yourself sake, as a way to identify your own unique PC. I would go w/ mac address. Although it's possible and easy to swap out the wireless card, but the RJ45 Ethernet one isn't so easy. And each mac address are not suppose to be duplicate at all regardless of manufacturers. So, it's very unique.